Support structure for head-mounted optical devices

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer&#39;s head and generally extend from the wearer&#39;s forehead to the base of the wearer&#39;s skull, and connection elements provided on the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisionalapplication entitled, “Cap For Supporting Head-Mounted Optical Devices,”having Ser. No. 60/818,592, filed Jul. 5, 2006, which is entirelyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One of the most difficult and frequently under considered problems whenpairing the human visual system with enhanced optical capabilities isthe physical relationship between the highly variable form of the humanhead and the mechanical nature of the optical devices. Such opticaldevices can be heavy and, therefore, can irritate the wearer at thevarious pressure points at which the optical device rests on the skull.In addition, optical devices can shift, especially during rigorousactivities such as running.

From the above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to havea mechanism with which to reduce the pressure applied at individualpoints of the head of a wearer of an optical device and to better securethe optical device to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of theoptical device.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are support structures for supporting head-mounted opticaldevices. In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elasticlayer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's headand generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of thewearer's skull, and connection elements provided on the layer that areconfigured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical deviceto be supported by the support structure. In such an embodiment, thesupport structure distributes the weight of the optical device when wornby the wearer to reduce pressure applied to the head at localizedpoints, and secures the optical device in position relative to thewearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of thepresent disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of a supportstructure for supporting a head-mounted optical device.

FIG. 2 is a left-side perspective view of the support structure of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the support structure of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the support structure ofFIGS. 1-8 with straps of the support structure in an open position.

FIG. 10 provides a right-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-9shown in place on a wearer's head and a right-side view of an opticaldevice to be supported by the support structure.

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the support structure and optical deviceof FIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support structure and optical device ofFIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are support structures for head-mounted opticaldevices, such as glasses, goggles, and head-mounted displays (HMDs). Asdescribed in the following, the support structures comprise, in someembodiments, an elastic cap that is sized and configured to be donned bythe wearer of the head-mounted optical device. Due to the configurationof the cap, pressure points on the head are reduced and the opticaldevice is more securely fixed in place on the wearer's head to maintainalignment of the optical system of the optical device with the wearer'seyes.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment of a cap 10 for supporting ahead-mounted optical device, such as an HMD. As indicated in thosefigures, the cap 10 is generally symmetric about a medial or sagittalplane and comprises an outer layer or shell 12 and an inner layer orlining 14. The outer shell 12 of the cap 10 comprises a plurality ofpanels that are attached together along seams 16. The panels can beformed of a flexible, elastic fabric, mesh, or netting. By way ofexample, one or more of the panels can be formed of spandex, latex, orneoprene. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 12 comprises acentral panel 18, two opposed side panels 20, and two opposed earflappanels 22. The central panel 18 forms the central portion of the cap 10that covers the top of the wearer's head, the side panels 20 form thesides of the cap that cover the sides of the wearer's head, and theearflap panels 22 cover the wearer's ears. The side panels 20 areattached to the central panel 18 along two opposed seams 16 and theearflap panels 22 are attached to the side panels along two otheropposed seams. The panels 18, 20, and 22 may be attached to each otherusing any suitable attachment mechanism. By way of example, the panels18, 20, and 22 can be sewn, glued, bonded, or otherwise held together.In some embodiments, the panels 18, 20, and 22 are sewn together usingelastic thread so as to avoid limitations on the elasticity of the cap10.

The inner lining 14 of the cap 10 also comprises a plurality of panelsthat likewise may be formed of a flexible, elastic material and may beattached together along seams 24. In the illustrated embodiment (see,e.g., FIG. 8), the inner lining 14 comprises a central panel 26 and twoopposed side panels 28 that are attached to the central panel along theseams 24. The panels 26, 28 can be attached together in similar mannerto the panels of the outer shell 12. In some embodiments, the panels 26,28 are sewn together using elastic thread.

Once formed, the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 comprise separatelayers of material that are generally not attached to each other exceptalong a lower edge 30 of the cap 10. The outer shell 12 and inner lining14 can be attached along that lower edge 30 in similar manner to whichthe various panels of the cap 10 are attached to each other. In someembodiments, the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 are sewn togetheralong the lower edge 30 using elastic thread. As indicated in thefigures, the lower edge 30 can be provided with piping trim 32 for anaesthetically-pleasing appearance. The piping trim 32 can be constructedof materials similar to those used to construct the outer shell 12 andinner lining 14 and, therefore, may also be elastic.

With the above construction, the cap 10 can be sized and configured tosnuggly fit the wearer's head. More particularly, the various panels ofthe cap 10 can stretch to conform to the contours of the wearer's head.In some embodiments, the cap 10 is sized and configured to span thewearer's head from the forehead (e.g., adjacent the hairline) to thepoint at which the skull meets the spinal column, and further span fromear to ear. Such a configuration ensures that the cap 10 resists notonly the force of gravity down over the wearer's head but also forcesfrom any other direction, thereby providing a secure fit even duringrigorous activities like running.

As is further indicated in the figures, the outer shell 12 of the cap 10is provided with a plurality of connection elements that are configuredto secure mounting elements of an optical device. More particularly, theouter shell 12 is provided with button hole-like openings that aredesigned to receive optical device mounting elements. In someembodiments, the openings are provided along the seams 16 of the outershell 12. For example, first or lateral openings 34 are provided on bothsides of the cap 10 along the seam 16 that separates the earflap panel22 and the adjacent lateral panel 20 at a lateral position of the cap.With such placement, one such first or posterior opening 34 can bepositioned above or coincident each of the wearer's ears. In addition,second openings 36 are provided on both sides of the cap 10 along theseam 16 that separates the lateral panel 20 from the central panel 18 ata posterior position of the cap. With such placement, the secondopenings 36 can be positioned toward the back of the wearer's head nearthe base of the skull. Furthermore, third or anterior openings 38 areprovided on both sides of the cap 10 along the seam 16 that separatesthe lateral panel 20 from the central panel 18 at an anterior positionof the cap. With such placement, the third openings 38 can be positionednear the top of the wearer's forehead. Accordingly, in some embodiments,the cap 10 can comprise three openings, a lateral opening 34, aposterior opening 36, and an anterior opening 38, on each side of thecap to provide a total of six such openings. It will be understood thatgreater or fewer such openings can be provided if desired.

Because the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 are separate andgenerally not attached to each other except along the edges of the cap10, the outer shell and inner lining define an interior space betweenthem that, as discussed below, can be used to receive mounting elementsof a head-mounted optical device. In some embodiments, the interiorspace is used to receive generally flat mounting pads of the opticaldevice.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the cap 10 further comprisessecurement straps that can be used to secure a head-mounted opticaldevice in position on the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment,the cap 10 comprises a central securement strap 40 and opposed lateralsecurement straps 42. Each of the securement straps 40, 42 can beconstructed of a flexible material, such as an inelastic or elasticfabric material. By way of example, the securement straps 40, 42 areconstructed of an cotton material. A proximal end of the centralsecurement strap 40 is permanently attached to the central panel 18adjacent the lower edge 30, while the proximal ends of the lateralmounting straps 42 are permanently attached to the earflap panels 22also adjacent the lower edge. In FIGS. 1-8, the securement straps 42 areshown in a closed position in which the distal ends of the straps arereleasably attached to the outer shell 12 of the cap.

FIG. 9 illustrates the securement straps 40, 42 in an open position. Asindicated in that figure, the straps 40, 42 are provided with fasteningelements 44 adjacent their distal ends that are adapted to mate withfastening elements 46 that are provided on the outer shell 12, forexample on the central panel 18 and the earflap panels 22. By way ofexample, the fastening elements 44, 46 comprise mechanical fastenerssuch as magnetic, snap-fit, or hook-and-loop fastening elements. In theillustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 44 provided on the straps40, 42 are male fastening elements and the fastening elements 46 on theouter shell 12 are female fastening elements. Furthermore, in theillustrated embodiment, two fastening elements 46 are provided on eachearflap panel 22 to enable the straps 42 to be releasably attached tothe outer shell 12 at two positions: a first position in which thestraps will lie flat against the outer shell when not in use and asecond position in which the straps are used to secure a frame of asupported optical device.

With the above-described configuration, the cap 10 can be used tosupport an optical device. Because the cap 10 stretches over a largearea of the wearer's head, the weight of the optical device can bedistributed over the surface of the head, thereby reducing localpressure points and providing increased comfort for the wearer. In someembodiments, the cap 10 pulls the optical device toward the wearer'sface until registration points of the optical device contact theirdesignated locations. This ensures that the optical system of the deviceis aligned with the wearer's eyes with the desired level of precision.The result is an optical device that is comfortably, consistently,securely, and intimately mounted to the wearer's head.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate use of the cap 10 in supporting a head-mountedoptical device on a wearer's head. Beginning with FIG. 10, the cap 10 isshown placed on top of a wearer's head. As indicated in that figure, thecap 10 generally extends from the wearer's forehead to the base of thewearer's skull. Also illustrated in FIG. 10 is a head-mounted opticaldevice 48 in the form of an HMD. The optical device 48 generallycomprises an optical system that is mounted to a frame 50 that is sizedand configured to rest on top of the wearer's head. Provided on theframe 50 are mounting pods 52 that are configured to support the framewhen worn by the user. Each of the mounting pods 52 comprises agenerally flat mounting pad 54 that is configured to directly contactthe wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, six mounting pods 52are provided, three on each lateral side of the optical device 48.

Turning to FIG. 11, the optical device 48 is shown mounted to thewearer's head and supported by the cap 10. Each of the mounting pads 54of the optical device 48 have been passed through an adjacent opening34, 36, or 38 such that the mounting pads are each disposed within theinterior space that exists between the outer shell 12 and the innerlining 14.

FIG. 12 illustrates two of the mounting pods 52 of the optical device 48with the mounting pad 54 (not visible) of one of the mounting pods (themounting pod on the right in FIG. 12) disposed within the interiorspace, and the mounting pad 54 of the other of the mounting pods (themounting pod on the left in FIG. 12) outside of the interior space toprovide an indication of the orientation of the mounting pads within theinterior space. As is apparent from FIG. 12, a mounting boss 56 of themounting pod 52 extends through the opening 36 when the mounting pad 54is disposed within the interior space. As is further apparent from FIG.12, the openings 36 (as well as the other openings) are smaller than themounting pads 54. Due to the elasticity of the outer shell 12, however,the openings are likewise elastic and can stretch to enable passage ofthe mounting pads therethrough.

With reference back to FIG. 11, the lateral securement straps 42 can bewrapped around the optical device frame 50 and releasably attached tothe outer shell 12 to secure the optical device 48 in place. Inaddition, the central securement strap 40 (not visible in FIG. 11) canbe similarly wrapped around the optical device frame 50 and releasablyattached to the outer shell 12 to secure the optical device 48. In someembodiments, the shape and construction of the cap 10 pulls the mountingpods 52 toward the back of the wearer's head until a forehead band ofthe optical device 48 contacts the forehead and resists further rearwardmovement.

While particular embodiments of a support structure have been shown anddescribed in the foregoing, it is to be understood that thoseembodiments are mere implementations. Therefore, alternative embodimentsare possible and are intended to fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure. In one such alternative, the outer shell and the innerlining can be attached to each other except where an interior space isneeded to receive a mounting pad of the optical device. In anotheralternative, a single layer having discrete interior spaces can be usedto form the support structure instead of an outer shell and an innerlining. In a further alternative, the support structure can compriseonly the outer shell such that the mounting pads make direct contactwith the wearer's head. In another alternative, the support structurecan be used to mount sensors capable of measuring cortical brainactivity. Moreover, although a support structure in the form of a caphas been described, it is to be understood that the support structureneed not necessarily comprise a cap. More important is that the supportstructure, irrespective of its specific configuration, distributes theweight of the optical device and maintains the positioning of theoptical device on the wearer's head.

1. A support structure comprising: an elastic layer that is sized andconfigured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extendfrom the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull; andconnection elements provided on the layer that are configured to securemounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported bythe support structure; wherein the support structure distributes theweight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce pressureapplied to the head at localized points; wherein the support structurefurther secures the optical device in position relative to the wearer'shead to reduce shifting of the optical device.
 2. The support structureof claim 1, wherein the elastic layer is formed from an elastic fabric.3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the elastic fabriccomprises one of spandex, latex, or neoprene.
 4. The support structureof claim 1, wherein the elastic layer comprises multiple panels ofmaterial that are attached to each other along seams.
 5. The supportstructure of claim 4, wherein the panels comprise a central panel thataligns with the center of the wearer's head and opposed lateral panelsthat align with sides of the wearer's head.
 6. The support structure ofclaim 5, wherein the panels further comprise earflap panels that alignwith the wearer's ears.
 7. The support structure of claim 4, wherein theconnection elements are provided along the seams of the elastic layer.8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the connection elementscomprise elastic openings formed in the layer, the openings configuredto receive mounting pads of the optical device.
 9. The support structureof claim 8, wherein the elastic openings comprise lateral openings thatalign with the sides of the wearer's head, posterior openings that alignwith the back of the wearer's head, and anterior openings that alignwith the wearer's forehead.
 10. The support structure of claim 1,wherein the elastic layer is an outer shell and wherein the supportstructure further comprises an elastic inner lining that is attached tothe outer shell along a lower edge of the support structure, wherein theouter shell and the inner lining together form an interior space that isadapted to receive mounting pads of the optical device.
 11. The supportstructure of claim 10, wherein the inner lining comprises multiplepanels that are attached to each other along seams.
 12. The supportstructure of claim 1, further comprising securement straps that areattached to the elastic layer and configured to secure a frame of theoptical device.
 13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein thesecurement straps include a central securement strap that aligns withthe wearer's forehead and lateral securement straps that align with thewearer's ears.
 14. The support structure of claim 12, wherein thesecurement straps are permanently attached to the elastic layer at afirst end and releasably attached to the elastic layer at a second endsuch that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions. 15.The support structure of claim 14, wherein the securement strapsreleasably attach to the elastic layer with mechanical fasteners.
 16. Acap for supporting a head-mounted optical device, the cap comprising: anelastic outer shell that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to awearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to thebase of the wearer's skull, the outer shell comprising a plurality ofelastic openings that are adapted to receive mounting pads of theoptical device; an elastic inner lining that is attached to the outershell along a lower edge of the cap, the inner lining and the outershell together defining an interior space; and securement straps thatare configured to wrap around a frame of the optical device; wherein thecap distributes the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearerto reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points; wherein thecap further secures the optical device in position relative to thewearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.
 17. The cap ofclaim 16, wherein the outer shell is formed from an elastic fabriccomprising of spandex, latex, or neoprene.
 18. The cap of claim 16,wherein the outer shell comprises multiple panels of material that areattached to each other along seams and wherein the elastic openings areprovided along the seams.
 19. The cap of claim 18, wherein the panelscomprise a central panel that aligns with the center of the wearer'shead, opposed lateral panels that align with sides of the wearer's head,and earflap panels that align with the wearer's ears.
 20. The cap ofclaim 16, wherein the elastic openings comprise lateral openings thatalign with the sides of the wearer's head, posterior openings that alignwith the back of the wearer's head, and anterior openings that alignwith the wearer's forehead.
 21. The cap of claim 16, wherein thesecurement straps include a central securement strap that aligns withthe wearer's forehead and lateral securement straps that align with thewearer's ears, the straps being permanently attached to the outer shellat a first end and releasably attached to the outer shell at a secondend such that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions.22. The cap of claim 21, wherein the securement straps releasably attachto the elastic shell with mechanical fasteners.
 23. A method ofsupporting a head-mounted optical device on a wearer's head, the methodcomprising: a wearer donning an elastic support structure that is sizedand configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generallyextend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull; andsupporting a frame of the optical device by receiving mounting pads ofthe frame within elastic openings provided in the support structure;wherein the support structure distributes the weight of the opticaldevice to reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points;wherein the support structure further secures the optical device inposition relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the opticaldevice.